Following several arson attacks against 5G masts in the UK last week, Ofcom, the communications regulator, has reiterated that 5G is not dangerous to human health. It said that it has carried out tests over a number of years in different parts of the country. It found that, in ten cities where mobile use is likely highest, 5G mobile signals were at a small fraction of what’s recommended by international guidelines.

Relaying what advice it gave to the government on the back of these tests, Ofcom said:

“[T]he overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health”.

Due to the on-going lockdown, which the government ordered to stem the spread of coronavirus, communications services are vital for people wanting to stay connected to friends and family. Ofcom pointed out that by destroying 5G masts, arsonists were also affecting 3G and 4G reception. It said this damage may also impede emergency services which rely on the hardware.

In response to the arson attacks, the UK government is holding meetings this week with representatives of technology firms in order to address 5G conspiracy theories being circulated online. Anticipating the changes that are going to be needed, Google announced yesterday that it would remove any videos on YouTube that suggest 5G is in some related to the spread of lethality of COVID-19.